Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirements
The safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention
June 2016 (Version 1.0)
AGENDAVGM Information
VGM Verification method
When the cut off time?
Transmission of VGM Flow
Deviation in Gross Mass Figures
VGM Announcement – by CK Line
Related contact information
VGM INFORMATION
MSC Napoli crashed in Jan 2007, following the (IMO) investigation. In November
2014, The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulation under the Safety of
Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) requires shippers to provide a Verified Gross Mass
(VGM) for every packed container as a condition for vessel loading.
All VGM need to be obtained by using weighing equipment that meets the applicable
accuracy standards and requirements of the local governments. This is an
international requirement.
This takes effect from July 1, 2016.
“No VGM, Not allowed load onto the vessel.
Improve safety of work personnel,
vessel and equipment
VGM INFORMATION
VGM VERIFICATION METHOD
The SOLAS regulations prescribes two methods to obtain the VGM Verification of
Container Mass:
Method 1: Direct weighing
Method 2: Accumulation of weights
Documentary need to obtain VGM declaration statement in hard or soft copy and should keep
1 year in case Marine Dept. inspecting.
Method 1: Direct Weighing
VGM VERIFICATION METHOD
Weighing report
Weighing the packed container with various weighing facilities.
VGM VERIFICATION METHOD
Method 1: Direct Weighing
Weighing all packages and cargo items, including
pallets, dunnage and other securing material to be
packed in the container and adding the tare mass of
the container to other sum of the single masses,
using a certified method approved by Marine
Department of the State in which packing of the
container was completed.
Cargo related: for scrap metal, unbagged grain,
unbagged bulk cargo, … Method 2 is
inappropriate and impractical.
VGM VERIFICATION METHOD
Method 2: Accumulation of weights
VGM VERIFICATION METHOD
Method 2: Accumulation of weights
VGM VERIFICATION METHODFor data elements required for VGM submission to CK Line (HK) Co., Ltd. detail as follows
WHEN THE CUT OFF TIME?
We anticipate the VGM CUT-OFF times will vary. The VGM CUT-OFF
time will be advised in the form of a Booking Confirmation once
available.
Shipper have to declare VGM starting from 25th June 2016 and onwards
Transshipment cargoes for vessels departure on 01st July 2016 must have
VGM declared
Packed containers have to be weighed prior laden gate in to terminal and
shipper must be responsible for obtaining the verified gross weight (VGM)
& provide the VGM LOI to Carrier before Mother Vessel closing date at
terminal. If any without VGM sufficiently in advance presented, the container
will not be loaded.
Export fm Hong Kong
VGM ≦ 10 MT: +/- 0.5 MT
VGM >10 MT: +/- 5%
Marine Dept. will perform random checking.
The VGM figures obtained from Marine Dept. approved
weighing equipment prevails.
DEVIATION IN GROSS MASS FIGURES
Export fm Shekou
VGM : +/- 5% or 1Ton (Whichever is less)
TRANSMISSION OF VGM FLOW CHART
Terminal haven’t
VGM data
Container Gate-In to terminal
Container temporarily
received /Hold status in terminal
CK Line send VGM to terminal
Planning Change to
other Vessel
Weighing Occurs provide
VGM to Shipper
Shipper provide
VGM to CK Line
CK Line send VGM to terminal
Container Gate-In to
terminal and waiting for
export loading
Terminal refer to send VGM
to Chief Officer
Filing of verification
record/proof
Declaration stow planning load list
Without VGM will not
be loaded
Planning have
extra charges
VGM ANNOUNCEMENT
– BY CK LINE
Source: JOC.com
RELATED CONTACT INFORMATION
中華人民共和國交通運輸部 · Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China
Please find here for the 交通运输部关于执行《1974年国际海上人命安全公约》第VI/2条2015年修正案
的通知發出日期: 2016年06月06日
Hong Kong Marine Department link / Shekou (SCT) Container Terminal Limited
Please find here for the English version / Please find here for the English version
Please find here for the Chinese version / Please find here for the Chinese version
IMO VGM / SOLAS Please find here for the Amendments and Associated guidelines -
World Shipping Council Please find here for the IMO Requirement for container weight verification
Please find here for the SOLAS
Please find here for the National Legislations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Please find here the FAQs about Container Weighing (last updated March 11, 2016)
Please find here for the English version - VGM FAQs - HKG Marine Dept.
Please find here for the Chinese version - 驗證總重量問答 - 香港海事處